Eberly News

Researchers uncover why trees differ in how they record atmospheric radiocarbon, clarifying key uncertainties related to reconstructing past cosmic events and preparing for future space‑weather hazards.

West Virginia University empowered budding innovator Don Brodie to succeed by nurturing his passion for science and sense of curiosity. More than 50 years later, Brodie and his wife, Linda, are enriching academics, research and more to help future generations excel with a $5 million gift to strengthen leadership at the WVU Eberly College of Arts and Sciences.

Becca Coltogirone, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology who also serves as an academic advisor and director of the undergraduate neuroscience program in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, has been selected for the December Faculty Feature.

Four Native American Studies students will discuss their research and experiences in this semester's NAS Directed Study course "Native Leadership and Contemporary Issues."

Discover how the Eberly Writing Studio and Speakwrite support students in becoming stronger writers and communicators, learn about the Appalachian Scholars Contest and more.

“I’m scratching the surface of the secrets of nature, and it’s my job to make the math and the atoms sing the same song. One atom decides, ‘I don’t want to join with this other atom, I want to join with this guy instead.’ And it creates a beautiful pattern — a material with very beautiful properties. I just think, ‘Wow. I’m seeing something that nobody has seen before.’”

To help forests respond to a changing climate, WVU biologists are learning how bacteria and fungi in the soil sustain the health of forest ecosystems. Fungi that have close symbiotic relationships with tree roots are called “mycorrhizae,” and Ember Morrissey, associate professor in the Department of Biology at the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, is studying how two main types of mycorrhizal fungi interact with their host trees and other soil microorganisms.

For trailblazing robots and  West Virginia University students alike, the first step is sometimes the hardest. That was the case for Camndon Reed, a  robotics engineering and  mathematics major from Watertown, Massachusetts, who designs autonomous robots that navigate hiking trails.

“I wish I had always known that the best way to get started is simply to begin,” Reed said. “You don’t need to wait for the perfect idea or a class on a subject — just start experimenting.”

“Woodburn will shine once again, bringing generations of Mountaineers together in the warm glow of tradition,” WVU President Michael T. Benson proudly proclaimed in his first State of the University speech in October.

Mark Brazaitis, a professor in the Department of English and the director of the Creative Writing Program, collaborated with imprisoned people in Appalachia to publish a documentary play about life behind bars titled “Dark Shadows.”